Overview:In this investigation students explore the connection between competition for mates and the evolution of elaborate traits in birds. Using the online database Birds of North America , students develop and test a set of hypotheses to explain the variation in sexual dimorphism among bird species.

Author/Source:Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Grade:College

Discipline:Life Science

Time:90 minutes

Teaching tips:An excellent lab for focusing on the process of science while learning about sexual selection.
Students should be familiar with social mating systems (at least monogamy and polygyny) as well as the concept of extra-pair paternity (EPP).
Computers with multimedia software (Flash or QuickTime) required. Access to access to Birds of North America recommended.